Dr. Val Smith's research program focuses on the relationships between resource supplies and the structure and function of biological systems.

Teaching Interests

General Biology

Disease Ecology

Freshwater Ecology

Research

My primary area of expertise is in the area of phytoplankton ecology, and I have worked extensively on the relationships between nutrient loading and the occurrence of bloom-forming blue-green algae in lakes and estuaries worldwide. I have extensive experience in the quantitative comparative analysis of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and I have strong interests in the mechanisms that generate and maintain biological diversity. In addition, I interested in the mechanisms that regulate the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. I have recently expanded my research into the area of disease ecology, and I am involved in both empirical and experimental investigations of the relationships between host nutrition and the outcome of infectious disease in both plants and animals. In addition, I am actively involved in KU's Feedstock to Tailpipe Initiative; my team seeks to produce renewable biofuels from algae produced in wastewater-fed, outdoor bioreactors.

Smith, V. H. (1987). Lake-watershed interactions: An overview of the effects of nutrients on lakes. In Basic issues in Great Lakes Research (pp. 117-140). Ann Arbor: Great Lakes Research Division, University of Michigan.

Smith, V. H., (Principal), Tests of the Droop cell quota model for population growth in metazoan animals, University of Kansas General Research Fund, $5,000, 01/01/2013 - 12/31/2014. University (KU or KUMC). Status: Funded.

Smith, V. H., (Principal), Patterns of biodiversity across environmental gradients: Responses from microbes to consumers, University of Kansas Research Development Fund, $6,897, 01/01/2003 - 12/31/2004. University (KU or KUMC). Status: Funded.

Smith, V. H., (Principal), Development of new models for the management of coastal zone eutrophication in Florida, South Florida Water Management District, $7,500, 01/01/1998 - 12/31/1999. Other States. Status: Funded.

Smith, V. H., (Principal), Effects of nitrogen fertilization on prairie biodiversity and function, 3566, University of Kansas General Research Fund, $9,000, 01/01/1998 - 12/31/1999. University (KU or KUMC). Status: Funded.

Smith, V. H., Research Experiences for Undergraduates Supplement to: An experimental study of the effects of nutrients and inorganic suspended solids on phytoplankton community structure, National Science Foundation, $4,000, 12/31/1989. Federal. Status: Funded.

Smith, V. H., Effects of nitrogen, phosphorus, and turbidity on phytoplankton community structure in North Carolina waters, University of North Carolina University Research Council, $1,500, 01/01/1986 - 12/31/1988. Other University. Status: Funded.